Re - using an impeller

[tahoejag]

To the forum...btw, don't blame me - I was put up to this (to post this thread). Fellow boater was servicing water pump. We both noticed that the impeller had no signs of wear on it and looked new (3rd season). The impeller had a slight curve set to it as expected though. I even was quite surprised on how new it looked. Upon getting ready to install the new impeller, he made a decision to re-install the old impeller and "just flip it upside-down". I have to admit...never heard of anyone doing this before and told him while its apart he should just change it anyway...jmo. His theory was that the set it took originally will wear evenly now for another 3 seasons, and he could return the new impeller :facepalm:. I told him he's nuts and I'd post this and see what everyone else's opinion is!

 

[thumpar]

Re: Re - using an impeller

It will probably work but if I crack my drive apart I change it.

 

[muc]

Re: Re - using an impeller

That is the ONE thing the manual tells you NOT to do.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Re - using an impeller

To the forum...btw, don't blame me - I was put up to this (to post this thread). Fellow boater was servicing water pump. We both noticed that the impeller had no signs of wear on it and looked new (3rd season). The impeller had a slight curve set to it as expected though. I even was quite surprised on how new it looked. Upon getting ready to install the new impeller, he made a decision to re-install the old impeller and "just flip it upside-down". I have to admit...never heard of anyone doing this before and told him while its apart he should just change it anyway...jmo. His theory was that the set it took originally will wear evenly now for another 3 seasons, and he could return the new impeller :facepalm:. I told him he's nuts and I'd post this and see what everyone else's opinion is!

Ayuh,.... Yer friend needs to find a different hobby, other than boatin', if he can't replace the impeller...

There's No economy reusin' worn out parts...

 

[series60]

Re: Re - using an impeller

To the forum...btw, don't blame me - I was put up to this (to post this thread). Fellow boater was servicing water pump. We both noticed that the impeller had no signs of wear on it and looked new (3rd season). The impeller had a slight curve set to it as expected though. I even was quite surprised on how new it looked. Upon getting ready to install the new impeller, he made a decision to re-install the old impeller and "just flip it upside-down". I have to admit...never heard of anyone doing this before and told him while its apart he should just change it anyway...jmo. His theory was that the set it took originally will wear evenly now for another 3 seasons, and he could return the new impeller :facepalm:. I told him he's nuts and I'd post this and see what everyone else's opinion is!

That's just nuts!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Re - using an impeller

Friends should not let friends re-use impellers.

the bigger issue is flipping it upside down. Once it has taken shape by rotating in one direction, it is more likely to crack, if you spin it in the opposite direction. It would have been better, just to leave it in as it was.

since you had the new one there, it really should have been put in and the old one could be used as a spare in case you needed it in a pinch.

 

[Don S]

Re: Re - using an impeller

Here is that warning as shown in the service manual. It is possible to re-use an impeller, not an economically sound idea, but it can be done. But you NEVER reverse the blade direction.

 

[tahoejag]

Re: Re - using an impeller

Well, couldn't convince him of putting the new one on, but he did install it as it came out. He's a "not broke-don't fix it" type plus didn't have any overheat issues prior. Think it'll be okay (to me, it does look new)....btw, he offered me the new one for $10, being a pal I said "sure!" .

Thanks guys!
John.

 

[achris]

Re: Re - using an impeller

You didn't say if your friend's working on a Gen II drive or an earlier one. If it's a Gen II, no problems, I've seen them working up to 7 years. If it's earlier, he's insane! But as Don pointed out (and several others), NEVER flip the impeller, Gen II or not!

Chris........

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Re - using an impeller

Betting on a rubber part to be good for a long time for $30 is just not wise. And, impellers do sometimes disintegrate in the can.

I just don't think it's worth the effort to drop the lower unit if he's not going to do what's right.

 

[Don S]

Re: Re - using an impeller

As the old saying goes,

You can lead a horse to water ....................

 

[tahoejag]

Re: Re - using an impeller

Its a gen II unit. It may hold up for em...may not!? When I changed mine, visually it wasn't wore at all either, but was there, so changed er out. I lean toward PM myself...I'd rather be the guy DOING the towing